Study in Australia

Each year, Australia welcomes an increasing number of international students to study in universities, institutes, colleges and schools. In 2000, more than 180,000 students from 140 countries studied at Australian institutions, either in Australia or in overseas campuses. The majority of these students (almost 70 per cent) undertook courses in the higher education and vocational education sectors.*

Excellence - education standards rank amongst the highest in the world. Recognition - qualifications are widely recognised and accepted when seeking employment or further study.*
Protection - government legislation and codes of conduct operate to regulate the industry and protect students. Lifestyle - favourable climate, safe and stable environment, attractive surrounds and friendly people make it an enjoyable place to study. Work/travel - there are opportunities for students to travel and/or work whilst studying.*

Foundation Studies
These programs (usually taken over one academic year) to prepare international students for entry into Australian universities. Students undertake subjects directly related to their preferred university course, as well as English language training for academic purposes. Successful completion of a Foundation Studies program provides students with a guarantee of admission into specific degree courses within participating institutions. Many schools and vocational institutes, as well as universities, offer Foundation Studies programs.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)
The VET sector is positioned between secondary schools and universities and prepares students for employment or further study. This sector consists of public institutes of Technical and Further Education (TAFE), and private colleges specialising in one or more areas of study related to future work. TAFE Institutes are nationally-recognised, government-funded institutions offering vocational education and training over a wide range of occupations. Courses vary in duration from several hours to three year full-time courses. They are usually cheaper than university courses, and students may progress to university later on with credits for their TAFE studies. Qualifications include certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas.

Private Colleges
Include business colleges, computer training firms, English language centres, and colleges specialising in a particular field such as aviation, photography, interior decorating, multimedia, hospitality management and tourism. Many institutes also provide accredited English language training and Foundation Studies for entry into university diploma and bachelor degree courses. All institutes and colleges are subject to Government monitoring to ensure high standards.

Universities
Australia has many government-funded universities and few private universities, as well as a number of specialist institutions providing approved courses at the higher education level. University studies can be undertaken at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, leading to awards ranging from graduate certificate to doctorate. Many institutions also offer additional programs such as Foundation Studies, Study Abroad and English language courses.

Fees and Living Expenses
You will find tuition and living costs in Australia to be significantly cheaper than most alternative destinations in Europe or America. Australian living costs were also found to be significantly lower. The choice of where you want to study, whether in a large city or a country university, plus your personal lifestyle choices will determine your budget. The following tuition fees represent the average costs of undertaking courses of study in Australia.
Fees

English language training
(varies depending on course duration)*
A$3500 – 13,500

Vocational education and training (TAFE and private colleges)
Certificates I-IV*
Diploma*
Advanced Diploma*
A$5500 – $18,000 per year

University
Foundation studies A$10,000–A$16,500 per year*
Undergraduate*and Postgraduate*
A$9000 – A$14,000 - A$18,500 per year


Living Expenses
The average international student in Australia spends about A$300 per week on food, accommodation, clothing, local transport, telephone, gas/electricity, stationery, and entertainment, although this varies significantly by location and lifestyle.

Accommodation costs
Types of accommodation for students include private board, hostels and guest houses, home stay (living with an Australian family. Costs will vary depending on the location and the facilities available.


Intake
May and September semesters normally

English Language Ability and Other Requirements
The individual institutions determine academic entry qualifications. An Australian institution will look at the level and content of the courses you have completed. You must be able to provide a certified transcript of studies undertaken including results. For some universities, certain pre-requisite subjects must be satisfactorily completed. Most MBA programs require that you must have at least two years' of professional experience before accepting you on their programs.

A minimum standard of English
An IELTS score is a mandatory requirement and an evidence of this must be included at the time of application for the student visa. TOEFL is not accepted. The following table shows the IELTS test score required for different levels of study

Vocational education Higher education Masters + Doctorate
IELTS 5.5 IELTS 6.0 IELTS 6.5

Visa
If you intend to study in Australia you should apply at least four months before your intended course start date. Before a student can apply for a student visa, a valid offer letter from a CRICOS registered Australian institute is required

Part-time Job and Immigration to Australia
International students in Australia on student visas can seek permission to work for up to 20 hours a week to earn handsome amount of money once they have arrived in Australia and commenced their course of study. After students complete certain degree programs; they are also eligible to apply for temporary/permanent residence and or immigration. More details about Australian immigration for students completing two years’ of education, undergraduate/masters degree can be found on www.immi.gov.au.